The CFL reinstated Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou on Tuesday, but said the move was subject to unspecified conditions.
The league suspended Ajou on April 16 for the entire pre-season and at least six regular-season games for violating its gender-based violence and harassment policy.
The move followed a third-party investigation into allegations of aggressive and unwelcome physical contact with multiple women at a restaurant in Regina on Nov. 18, 2025.
The league said in a statement that any future violations of the CFL’s gender-based violence policy will incur a more severe punishment, including a potential lifetime ban.
Ajou spent last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, registering 22 catches for 212 yards in eight regular-season games. He was with the CFL club when it defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 to capture the Grey Cup, registering two catches for 13 yards.
Ajou, who was released by the Roughriders after the allegations surface, would still need to serve the six-game suspension if he is signed as a free agent.
Suspended players can’t participate in regular-season or post-season games, but it’s up to a club whether it allows players to participate in other team activities, such as practices or meetings.
The investigation revealed that on Nov. 18, 2025 — the same day as the team’s Grey Cup parade — Ajou engaged in aggressive and unwelcome physical contact with multiple women at a restaurant in Regina, conduct the league said breached its gender-based violence and harassment policy.
Ajou had returned to Saskatchewan after being released by the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 26, 2025.
The CFL said Tuesday Ajou’s reinstatement was contingent upon successful completion of a three-part process: 15 mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert, a psychological assessment by another independent expert and meeting with CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston.
The league added Ajou’s ongoing conditions “reflect the need for him to demonstrate a continued commitment to upholding league standards.
“These conditions are confidential and shall not be disclosed.”
The six-foot-three, 218-pound Ajou, 24, of Brooks, Alta., became the second player suspended by the league for violating the policy.
In 2024, Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly was suspended for the entire pre-season and at least half of the club’s regular-season contests. The move came after a lawsuit and independent investigation into harassment allegations involving the league’s 2023 outstanding player.
Kelly was reinstated in August 2024 by the league on a last-chance agreement after undergoing mandatory counselling and meeting with then commissioner Randy Ambrosie.